AIP Research Paper Guidelines
The AIP research component is a critical part of the AIP experience that requires you to integrate the internship
with your academic studies. The purpose of the research paper is to encourage you to think critically and write
analytically about the relationship between theory and practice. A passing grade on the research paper is required
to receive a “Pass” for AIP 197.
The research paper topic:
The academic paper is written independently under the supervision of a faculty advisor. The research paper topic
and bibliography must be formulated in consultation with the faculty advisor. It is expected that students will
arrange to meet with the faculty advisor a minimum of three times during the quarter to discuss progress on the
research paper and internship.
All research papers must contain substantive academic content with a strong analytical focus. Your AIP research
paper must:
 Address a question or topic that relates to some aspect of your internship, e.g., the industry,
organization, profession, practices, populations served, techniques used, etc.
 Apply the disciplinary lens of your major or minor. What kinds of questions might a sociologist,
biologist, economist, artist, etc., ask in relation to your internship field?
 Incorporate outside readings/sources related to the topic. Your paper must reference scholarly books,
articles, or other sources that establish a framework for your approach and/or support arguments made.
Reputable websites may be used, but should be not be the only source of information. Wikipedia is not a
scholarly source.
 Incorporate data and/or observations from the internship relevant to the paper topic. Be mindful of
any confidentiality issues related to the use of organizational data. If in doubt, ask.
 Take an analytical approach. Avoid merely summarizing internship experiences or asserting personal
opinions unsupported by data or research.
 Follow the writing and citation style standard for your discipline (APA, MLA, etc.). If unsure which
style is appropriate, check with your faculty advisor.
The project option:
In some cases, students submit a project in lieu of the standard research paper. Project ideas must be developed
in consultation with your faculty advisor and clearly described on the Special Studies Form. Projects vary greatly
depending on the discipline and internship and are approved by the faculty advisor on a case-by-case basis. Some
general guidelines include:
 The project must incorporate original thought and effort beyond the duties of your internship; the internship
itself does not constitute a project.
 The effort and amount of work required for a project should be equivalent to that required for the research
paper.
 The project must incorporate the use of skills and/or knowledge relevant to your internship.
 If the project does not already include a significant written component, it must be accompanied by a written
analysis, with particulars identified by your faculty advisor.
 Outside research/sources must be utilized and cited.
Project Examples:
 A Political Science major interning on a political campaign might create an in-depth, hypothetical campaign
strategy for a fictitious candidate. The project would be supported and guided by outside research/sources
and accompanied by a written analysis comparing/contrasting the fictitious campaign with what was
observed at the internship.
 A Visual Arts: Media major interning with a local television station could produce a brief video documentary
on a local issue. The accompanying paper might analyze the intention and impact of production techniques
used, and how these were informed by the internship experience.
Academic Internship Program ▪ Phone: 858-534-4355 ▪ Fax: 858-534-1707 ▪ Web: http://aip.ucsd.edu
Paper length and formatting:
All written work must be standard 12-point font, one-inch margins, double spaced. A separate bibliography page
must be included.
2 UNITS
 5-6 page analytical research paper. The 2-unit option is ONLY available in summer, and for use with
predetermined AIP special programs.
4 UNITS
 Minimum of 10-page analytical research paper OR equivalent project with minimum 3-4 page written analysis
8 UNITS
 Minimum of 20-page analytical research paper OR equivalent project with minimum 6-8 page written analysis
12 UNITS
 Minimum of 30-page analytical research paper OR equivalent project with minimum 10-12 page written
analysis
Writing guidelines:
The academic internship paper is analytical rather than descriptive and must reflect the following:
 A clear thesis
 Integration of thesis with critical reflection on the internship experience. What happens in the organization or
industry and what does it mean for the critical questions you are asking?
 Fully developed ideas and clearly articulated connections when you shift between ideas
 Strong argumentation and organization
 Avoidance of unsubstantiated claims
 Synthesis – make sure everything comes together
On your Special Studies Form:
1. Provide a brief synopsis of the paper topic or project.
2. Identify 2-3 sources you intend to use.
3. Verify that all information and signatures on the form are complete.
Changing your paper topic:
If, during the course of your internship, you wish to change your paper topic or project, you may do so with the
approval of your faculty advisor. Submit faculty approval of the new topic or project to AIP no later than 2 weeks
prior to the deadline. Your faculty advisor may email your AIP counselor with a brief description of the new topic or
project and his/her approval.
Your research paper grade:
Submit your completed research paper to AIP via www.turnitin.com AND to your faculty advisor prior to the
deadline. AIP will collect a grade for the research paper directly from your faculty advisor. Incompletes will not be
issued for the purpose of doing further work on the research paper, so it is highly recommended that you submit a
draft to your faculty advisor prior to the final deadline to ensure you are on track.
Academic integrity:
All suspicions of academic misconduct will be reported to the Academic Integrity Office according to university
policy. AIP papers will be subject to submission for textual similarity review to Turnitin.com for the detection of
plagiarism. All submitted papers will be included as source documents in the Turnitin.com reference database
solely for the purpose of detecting plagiarism of such papers. Your Turnitin Originality Report may be shared with
your faculty advisor.
Academic Internship Program ▪ Phone: 858-534-4355 ▪ Fax: 858-534-1707 ▪ Web: http://aip.ucsd.edu